Thompsons are proposed in place of rifles for a boarding party. Their case rests on the short ranges expected aboard a ship. Rifles retain an advantage at longer distances, whereas the proposed boarding weapon is chosen for close fighting. Ammunition supply remains a difficulty. The suggestion receives qualified acceptance and prompts jokes about sailors imitating gangsters.
Notable Point · 4:36:17-4:37:59
Thompsons as an alternative to rifles in boarding actions
A panel proposal favours Thompson submachine guns for short-range fighting aboard ships, while acknowledging ammunition difficulties.